Showtime episode gives close look at Guillen controversy

Ozzie Guillen says it was excruciating watching the Marlins at home on television during his five-game suspension.

TV viewers will have a chance see what it was like for the manager in exile when Showtime airs the preview episode of "The Franchise: A Season With The Miami Marlins" on Saturday at 9 p.m.

"We have some very extraordinary, interesting behind-the-scenes film, and they are not shy about letting us put together what I think is a really interesting preview special that gives you a big peek into what it's like inside an organization as they're dealing with a big national controversy," said David Nevins, Showtime's president of entertainment.

"We're there for the moment of the suspension, we're there for the first time [Marlins President David] Samson runs into Ozzie after it's going on and he's trying to process what went down after he read the quote from Time. And we're right there with Ozzie as he's sitting at home having to watch the games on TV."

The half-hour preview is an appetizer for the second season of "The Franchise," which will spotlight the inaugural season of the Miami Marlins during an eight-week run beginning July 11, the night after the All-Star Game.

The Marlins have been known for being secretive and sensitive to criticism on matters ranging from team finances to conflicts with players and managers. Samson said before the season that would change with the move to the new ballpark in Miami, vowing a looser, more accessible operation from front office to players.

According to Nevins, that has been evident in access afforded the Showtime crew.

"They said, 'we're in with both feet,' and they have not back off that one bit," he said. "I think this is a very interesting story, and we have had enormous access. There are certain things that we're not even talking about yet. You're going to see behind the scenes."

Showtime knew this Marlins season had the ingredients for compelling reality television with a colorful mix of personalities and the bold rebranding of the franchise. But, "We didn't know it would get so interesting so quickly," Nevins said.

Showtime released an intriguing trailer for Saturday's preview, including Samson telling Guillen, "I don't know how to say this, but we have to suspend you" for his comments about Fidel Castro in Time magazine.

Guillen said Tuesday that watching the games at home in Miami was "very painful, even the ones we won."

Showtime is as much in the dark as everyone else about what drama may be ahead for Guillen and the Marlins.

"The truth about these kinds of shows is you don't know what the show is going to be until you get there. It can change on a dime, and that's what's exciting about the show and also what's risky about it," Nevins said, adding that the Marlins must win to keep the show compelling. "We need them still in the hunt in July, that's my big goal."